The Oswego High School boys varsity soccer team lost to West Aurora in the Sectional Semifinal, bringing an end to arguably the best season in recent memory for the Panthers. The three seed, Oswego, and the two seed, West Aurora, battled to the very end in an exciting match on Oct. 23.
The excitement began right away with a big save in the fifth minute by junior Cade Gutierrez.
The Panthers nearly took advantage of a free kick in minute 19, and junior Steven Udy sent a through ball which connected with senior Johnny Kraemer for a header that the goalie barely saved.
At the half, the game was tied at 0, with the Panthers having more scoring chances than the Blackhawks.
West Aurora took a 1-0 lead in minute 67 as senior Patience Yuha scored off a free kick right outside the box by tucking it away in the top corner.
Oswego had a lot of chances to score, but just couldn’t finish.
“We had a great season,” junior Mason McCaw said. “It was fun with the seniors.”
Oswego ended the season with a record of 18-3-2. The team had many accomplishments this year, including winning the Pepsi Showdown, beating Oswego East in the Crosstown match, going undefeated in conference and scoring their first Regional Championship since 2008.
“I think it’s one of the best seasons Oswego has ever had, and I’m very proud of these guys,” Panthers head coach Gaspar Arias said. “This game was one of our accomplishments.”
